Podcast Summary: Previewing the DOC NYC Film Festival
Podcast: All Of It (WNYC)
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Jay LaPlante (Artistic Director of DOC NYC)
Episode Date: November 10, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode previews the 2025 DOC NYC Film Festival, which showcases a diverse array of new documentaries. Host Alison Stewart invites Jay LaPlante, the festival’s Artistic Director, to discuss the festival’s programming, the significance of documentary filmmaking today, highlights from the schedule—including films on topical events and well-known figures—and the role of post-screening Q&As. The conversation is energetic, thoughtful, and offers a roadmap for filmgoers as well as culture lovers in New York and beyond.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Importance of Documentary Filmmaking in 2025
[01:08–01:40]
- Visibility & Resonance: Jay emphasizes how documentaries allow people "to be seen on a lot of levels" and provide layers of "resonance and identification" not always accessible through narrative cinema.
- Quote:
"There's another layer, I think, of resonance and identification that happens in the documentary form. And I think that's what's really beautiful about the collection of films that we're presenting this year."
— Jay LaPlante [01:15]
- Quote:
2. Programming Criteria and Representation
[01:40–02:09]
- Reflecting New York's Diversity: The programming team strives to gather the best documentaries worldwide, aiming to "reflect the city back to itself" by representing New York's numerous communities.
- Quote:
"New York is such an international city… that is one of our goals as a program team, is to really reflect the city back to itself."
— Jay LaPlante [01:46]
- Quote:
3. The Role and Value of Short Documentaries
[02:09–02:59]
- Experimentation & Access: Shorts provide a "training ground" and allow filmmakers to try bold ideas and cover subjects that a feature-length doc might not accommodate.
- Quote:
"In the short form, you can take, one idea can be very simple. You can build a story from, from a very small subject. And I think we see a lot of experimentation and a lot of very thrilling subjects addressed in the short form."
— Jay LaPlante [02:16]
- Quote:
4. Documentaries on War in Ukraine and Gaza
[02:59–05:14]
- Ukraine:
- 2000 Meters to Andrew by Mstyslav Chernov offers a visceral, soldier’s-eye view of the Ukraine conflict. Jay calls it "one of the greatest war films" he's seen.
- Zelensky gives insight into both the leader and the character of the Ukrainian nation.
- Gaza:
- Palestine Comedy Club explores comics in the West Bank striving to preserve Palestinian culture through stand-up during turbulent times.
- Quote:
"It's more of a boots on the ground, soldiers eye view of the conflict itself, but it's a microcosm for what that struggle is. It's extremely powerful."
— Jay LaPlante on 2000 Meters to Andrew [03:10]
"It's a collection of Palestinians from the West Bank who are committed to preserving Palestinian culture and are doing that through the medium of stand up comedy."
— Jay LaPlante [04:10]
5. The Metropolis Competition: Films About New York
[05:14–08:07]
- Notable Films:
- King Hamlet: Follows Oscar Isaac juggling personal and professional transformations.
- My Sunnyside: Chronicles the lives and love of a trans couple raising kids in Sunnyside.
- The Nutcracker at Wethersfield: Innovative, pandemic-inspired staging of the beloved ballet.
- Quote:
"It's about the pressure of that situation for him, but it's just also about generational transitions… we see a level of intimacy in that film that no other filmmaker could have captured."
— Jay LaPlante on King Hamlet [05:55]
"This is just... It's a great, great story."
— Jay LaPlante on My Sunnyside [06:57]
6. Documentaries About Famous Figures
[08:07–10:34]
- Depth over Hype: Compelling celebrity documentaries offer new insights and humanity, not just fame.
- Notable Mentions:
- Everybody Here Wants You (Jeff Buckley)
- Kwame Brathwaite: Portrait of a Photographer, John Lennon and Yoko Ono docs
- Farrukito: The flamenco artist’s transgenerational family saga.
- Quote:
"These films… allow us into their lives, show us a perspective about them. It helps us understand how they created their art, who they were, who they are or were, and what made them very special and relatable."
— Jay LaPlante [08:33]
"It's operatic in terms of how the events of his life played into the passion of his, of his art, his dance."
— Jay LaPlante on Farrukito [10:11]
7. Opening Night: Whistle
[10:34–12:02]
- Subject: Competitive music whistlers; cast includes Molly Lewis, Lauren Elder, Jay Winston.
- Why Lead with It?: The film’s heart, humor, and sense of mutual support make it an inspiring way to kick off.
- Quote:
"I fell in love with this film. ... It's less about the competition than about how all of these artists are mutually supporting and caring for each other."
— Jay LaPlante [10:53]
"It's a film that sent my heart soaring."
— Jay LaPlante [11:41]
8. Closing Night: Ask E. Jean
[12:02–13:00]
- Subject: E. Jean Carroll’s decision to publicly accuse Donald Trump.
- Significance: A quintessential New York story, underscoring bravery and conviction.
- Quote:
"This film salutes her bravery and her conviction. And I'm really proud that we're closing the festival with it."
— Jay LaPlante [12:41]
9. The Value of Q&As After Screenings
[13:00–14:17]
- Enriching Experience: Hearing creators discuss why and how films were made "can really deepen that experience" and make it more memorable.
- Quote:
"That ability to connect with an artist after seeing their work is something that's really unique to festivals."
— Jay LaPlante [13:23]
10. Accessing the Festival Online
[14:17–15:12]
- Most of the festival lineup will be available to watch online until November 30, providing flexibility for audiences who can’t attend in person.
- Quote:
"It's a great way to catch up on anything that you may have missed."
— Jay LaPlante [14:35]
11. Must-See Film Shoutout: Imago
[15:12–16:00]
- Winner of Cannes’ best documentary award; explores family pressures, self-discovery, and love within a Chechen Muslim family.
- Quote:
"The layers that the filmmaker Danny Pitzva goes through with his Chechen Muslim family… are next level. ... It's a tremendously moving journey, and I highly recommend it."
— Jay LaPlante [15:32]
Notable Quotes
- "There's another layer, I think, of resonance and identification that happens in the documentary form." — Jay LaPlante [01:15]
- "Shorts are the training ground for a lot of filmmakers to try things that they can't do in a feature form." — Jay LaPlante [02:16]
- "It's probably one of the greatest war films I've ever seen." — Jay LaPlante on 2000 Meters to Andrew [03:22]
- "This is just... It's a great, great story." — Jay LaPlante on My Sunnyside [06:57]
- "It's operatic in terms of how the events of his life played into the passion of his, of his art." — Jay LaPlante on Farrukito [10:11]
- "It's a film that sent my heart soaring." — Jay LaPlante on Whistle [11:41]
- "That ability to connect with an artist after seeing their work is something that's really unique to festivals." — Jay LaPlante [13:23]
Memorable Moments
- Jay playfully asks Alison about her whistling skills before introducing Whistle as the opening film, infusing the segment with humor and warmth. [10:49–11:00]
- The emotional gravity of the personal stories told in King Hamlet and Imago resonates in Jay’s enthusiastic descriptions. [05:36–06:57; 15:16–16:00]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [00:12] – Episode and guest introduction
- [01:08] – The significance of documentary filmmaking today
- [01:46] – Festival programming criteria and representing New York
- [02:16] – Importance and flexibility of short documentaries
- [03:10] – Documentaries on the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts
- [05:36] – Highlights from the Metropolis competition (films about NYC)
- [08:33] – Celebrity documentary highlights (Buckley, Brathwaite, Farrukito)
- [10:34] – Opening night film: Whistle
- [12:02] – Closing night film: Ask E. Jean
- [13:23] – Value of post-screening Q&As
- [14:23] – Online viewing options for the festival
- [15:16] – Final film shout-out: Imago
- [16:00] – Closing thanks and sign off
Tone and Style
The conversation is accessible, passionate, and infused with the host’s curiosity and Jay's enthusiasm for the diverse stories told through documentary film. The episode balances cultural insight with personal anecdotes and practical information for festival-goers.
For Listeners
This episode is an engaging jumpstart to the 2025 DOC NYC Film Festival, offering detailed previews of standout films, behind-the-scenes programming insight, and tips for maximizing your festival experience—whether in-person or at home. An enthusiastic guide for anyone interested in contemporary documentary film and New York’s dynamic culture.